How to Check Transmission Fluid

Your car’s transmission fluid keeps the transmission’s internal components lubricated and helps with smooth gear shifts. When the transmission fluid gets dirty or the level gets low, you’re going to feel it in your vehicle’s performance quality. That’s why learning how to check transmission fluid is something every Birmingham and Vestavia Hills driver should do. With that in mind, read on for everything you need to know, courtesy of Hendrick Chevrolet Hoover!

How to Check Transmission Fluid: Step-by-Step

Follow these easy steps to learn how to check transmission fluid in your own garage:

1. Turn on your car for a few minutes and get the engine warm, then shut the engine off again.
2. Pop the hood and find the transmission fluid dipstick. It should be just to the right of the oil dipstick on front-wheel-drive models.
3. Remove the dipstick and touch the fluid. Move it around your thumb and forefinger to check whether it’s clear with a pink hue – the proper coloring for transmission fluid. If it appears dirty or smells burnt, the fluid needs to be replaced.
4. Wipe down the dipstick with a rag, then slide it back into its holder. Pull it out again to check the level. If it’s below “Full,” use a funnel to slowly add more, checking as you do to prevent overfilling.

How Often Do You Check Your Transmission Fluid?

So, how often do you check your transmission fluid using the above instructions? You should really inspect your transmission fluid around once a month, and it’s smart to check the engine oil and power steering fluid at the same time. If you’re unsure, you can always look for additional monthly maintenance requirements in your owner’s manual.

What Do You Need to Know About Transmission Fluid?

Here are some helpful tips you should know before checking your transmission fluid:

• It Isn’t All the Same: There are different types of transmission fluid, so make sure you use the right type for your exact make, model, and year. Also important to note is that automatic and manual transmissions use their own types of fluid.
• Fluid Changes Are Harder for Manuals: Changing the fluid in a manual transmission often requires the use of a jack, so you might want to leave it to our service team.
• Gear Shifting Issues Can Indicate Fluid Is Low: If your car hesitates before shifting, it could be a sign the fluid is low.
• Fluid Replacements Are Necessary Maintenance: You should change your transmission fluid every 50,000 to 100,000 miles.

How to Know When to Replace the Fluid

You now know how to check transmission fluid, as well as how to know whether your findings indicate a need for a flush. But, in addition to the color of the fluid, what are some other signs that your transmission fluid should be replaced?

• Slipping gears
• Sluggish acceleration or failure to accelerate at all
• The engine warning light is illuminated
• Strange noises when shifting gears
• Unusual burning smell
• Transmission fluid leak
• Delayed response when switching into reverse

Trust Hendrick Chevrolet Hoover for First-Rate Service!

The team here at Hendrick Chevrolet Hoover can always help with maintenance queries from Bessemer car owners, and our range of service specials provides a great way to help you save. For any further assistance, feel free to get in touch today or check out our service information hub for even more helpful tips, like how much a transmission costs.